GROUP COHESION

Question 1

What is Carron’s definition of group cohesion

Answer 1

Defining group cohesion- A dynamic process which is reflected in the tendency of a group to stick together and remain united in the pursuit of its instrumental objectives and for the satisfaction of member affective needs (Carron et al., 1998)

Question 2

Carron et al., 1985: theory of group cohesion

Answer 2

o Main dimensions of team cohesion= group integration (GI) and individual attraction to the group (ATG)
o Further dimensions
= task orientation- towards achieving the group objectives.
= Social orientation- towards developing and maintaining social relationships within the group

Question 3

Carron’s key characteristics of team cohesion

Answer 3

o Multidimensional
o Dynamic- cohesion is not stable quality, it can change and fluctuate
o Instrumental- its directed by the purpose of the group
o Affective- cohesion feels good to belong

Question 4

How to build team cohesion

Answer 4

o Team building- method of assisting a team to promote an increased sense of unity and cohesiveness and enable the team to function more smoothly and effectively
o Team building involves intellectual, physical, and emotional problem solving tasks and challenges while emphasizing elements of fun, cooperation, communication, and adventure (Midura and Glover , 2005)
o Brawley and Paskevich (1997)- team building as a method to help a group achieve 4 objectives= satisfy needs of team members/ increase team effectiveness/ improve working conditions/ enhance team cohesion

Question 5

Carron et al., 1997 principles of team building

Answer 5

Principles of team building(Carron et al., 1997)
o Each player should be acquainted with the responsibilities of toher team members
o The coach should learn something personal about each team member, and use it to gain cooperation
o Involve players in decision making to make them feel that the team belongs to them
o Set the team goals and celebrate when they are attained
o Prevent the formation of cliques within the team, by giving every member opportunities to perform and avoiding scapegoating
o Use routines in practice designed to teach team members how dependent they are on each other
o Highlight the positive aspects of play, even when the team is on a losing streak

Question 6

personal disclosure mutual sharing

Answer 6

o Publicly disclosing personal stories and information that were previous unknown to other members of the team can foster a greater appreciation of team members; values, beliefs, attitudes and personal motives
o Helps us to create shared understanding
o PDMS session can lead to enhanced communication and cohesion, greater decision making efficiency, and to increased motivation (Orlick, 1990)

Question 7

Festinger, Schachter and Back 1950

Answer 7

group cohesiveness is a result of:
1. attractiveness of the group, and group members
2. Mediation of goals: social interaction per se/ and individual goals requiring independence

Then cohesiveness= behaviour
- creating membership continuity
- creating adherence to group standards

Question 8

individual attraction

Answer 8

Mullen and Copper 1994 explained how you can like someone as a group member but not as an individual and vice versa.
Highlighting this difference between interpersonal attraction and social attraction.

 Hogg and Hardie 1991- questionnaire to an Australian football team, finding perceptions of team cohesion were related to measures of group based social attraction, this was strongest in members who themselves identified most strongly with a team